Bunion

A bunion is a bony protuberance that appears on the external surface of the big toe when it angles toward the adjacent toe. It is an extra bone and a fluid-filled sac that grows at the base of the big toe.

Causes of bunions:

Bunions are common in women and tend to run in families (heredity). The major cause of bunions is prolonged wearing of ill-fitting shoes like tight, narrow, and high-heeled shoes which compress the toes and exerts excessive pressure while walking. The condition gets worsen and more painful as the bump grows bigger in size. Certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout may also cause bunions.

Symptoms

Swelling

Pain and tenderness around the big toe

Turning of big toe towards the adjacent toe

Change in the shape of the foot

A bony mass at the joint surface of the big toe

Pain and discomfort while walking

Restricted movements of big toe

Diagnosis

Your orthopaedic surgeon diagnoses a bunion based on the following:

Medical history to rule out any diabetic conditions, hypertension, circulatory disorders

Physical examination to evaluate the nature of bunion

Foot or ankle X-rays to determine the bone and soft tissue damage

Treatment

A bunion may be treated either by non-surgical or surgical methods.

The non-surgical treatment options include:

Medications to help alleviate pain and associated symptoms

Antibiotics to avoid infection

Ice packs to reduce inflammation

Get adequate rest

Wear broad-toed shoes that fit properly to reduce the compression of the toes

Use of bunion pads, cushions and splints to protect and alleviate painful foot bunions

Select properly fitted shoes that match the shape of your feet

Surgery

The surgical method of removal or excision of a bunion is known as bunionectomy. The goal of bunion surgery is to relieve pain and restore the normal position and function of the big toe.

Some of the surgical complications include infection, blood clot formation, recurrence of the bunion, damage to nerves, bleeding, and unrelieved pain.

Always try to take care of the bunion at the initial stage by wearing accommodative shoes. In very few cases, post-surgical complications may interrupt the healing of the bunion. If left untreated it may cause bursitis, gait abnormalities, arthritis and other serious health problems.

Prevention

Avoid wearing poorly fitted shoes to prevent irritation and compression of the toes which may lead to the growth of a bunion.